AaronNight's recent activity
-
Comment on What makes a game, a game? in ~games
-
Comment on What makes a game, a game? in ~games
AaronNight Link ParentI didn't hear the term "serious game" before. After quick search it seems that it is "gamified" education process. Am I right in this conclusion? Regarding enjoyment, even physical pain could be...I didn't hear the term "serious game" before. After quick search it seems that it is "gamified" education process. Am I right in this conclusion?
Regarding enjoyment, even physical pain could be pleasant to some people (and be turned into a game). We are weird species.
-
Comment on Is this a game? | Blank Quiz, made in Google Forms in ~games
AaronNight LinkI'd like to look at the statistics after some time :)I'd like to look at the statistics after some time :)
-
Comment on What makes a game, a game? in ~games
AaronNight LinkIf I recall correctly, according to behaviorists, a game is an activity that is enjoyable (it triggers dopamine release), engaging (it holds your attention for some time), and requires some degree...If I recall correctly, according to behaviorists, a game is an activity that is enjoyable (it triggers dopamine release), engaging (it holds your attention for some time), and requires some degree of skill (you learn while playing). In that sense, almost anything can be considered a game if you approach it with the right mindset. That’s essentially where the concept of gamification comes from.
That’s what I missed in this form, especially in the last section with the checkboxes. If an activity has enjoyable gameplay, then it’s a game to me.
-
What indie competitive games do you play?
Recently, I discovered a desire to play some small, easy-to-pick-up, not-demanding-on-hardware video games with short gameplay sessions that also require some skill to master. Many years ago, I...
Recently, I discovered a desire to play some small, easy-to-pick-up, not-demanding-on-hardware video games with short gameplay sessions that also require some skill to master. Many years ago, I played a few games that I liked very much. But now their online lobbies are dead, so I have to discover something new. So, what indie competitive games do you play?
I spent a lot of hours on CS2D and Altitude. CS2D is like Counter-Strike, but with a top-down view. It simplified the necessary skills for a shooter but was still fun to play. This game had all the modes from classic CS, but with small additions. I liked two modes the most: capture the flag and deathmatch with lasers. CTF mode had quite long sessions, even lasting for hours when teams were balanced. It was also fun to build turrets, walls, and spike traps, which made it possible to play a completely new class compared to CS — the engineer. The mode with lasers was fast-paced chaos that actually had its charm.
Altitude was a 2D shooter with airplanes and a side-view. I played a lot of the soccer mode. In this mode, two teams spawned on a football field with two goals at each end of the pitch. The ball was magnetic, which helped to catch it, and you could shoot it, allowing you to pass. I liked how each class of airplane was pretty well-balanced for this mode, allowing players to fill specific roles on the team and enabling dense and fun gameplay.
I'm looking for something similar that I can run occasionally on my laptop and that has an active community.
15 votes -
Comment on What we talk about when we talk about sideloading in ~tech
AaronNight Link ParentJust curious, in terms of permission control, is it able to block Internet access to certain apps? I was unsuccessfully trying to do it with Android for a long time now.Just curious, in terms of permission control, is it able to block Internet access to certain apps? I was unsuccessfully trying to do it with Android for a long time now.
-
Comment on Help choosing a new linux computer? in ~tech
AaronNight LinkFrom my own experience, the most problematic component for a desktop PC might be the graphics card. If you have a specific model in mind, check if the manufacturer provides drivers that work on...From my own experience, the most problematic component for a desktop PC might be the graphics card. If you have a specific model in mind, check if the manufacturer provides drivers that work on the latest kernel. The second most problematic hardware is typically the Bluetooth connector. However, this is less crucial because you can always find an inexpensive dongle with Linux support.
If you're interested in specific recommendations based on real-world usage experience, I can suggest finding (or building) a PC with the latest AMD CPU, as they offer a slightly better cost-to-efficiency ratio, and an Nvidia GPU, because they regularly update their Linux drivers and contribute to kernel development. The rest should be fine, unless you want to experiment with obscure no-name manufacturers. When I was looking for a new laptop, I chose Lenovo because they have several engineers who work closely with the Fedora team, ensuring that Fedora OS provides optimal support for their hardware. As far as I know, Lenovo also sell desktops and gaming PCs, so you might be interested in their components.
-
Comment on How is Linux these days? in ~comp
AaronNight Link ParentCool! I always thought that UNIX is focused on corporative clients and selling licenses for servers and workstations. What's your thoughts on it as everyday desktop OS? What is different to your...Cool! I always thought that UNIX is focused on corporative clients and selling licenses for servers and workstations. What's your thoughts on it as everyday desktop OS? What is different to your previous Linux flavor?
-
Comment on I need advice, which laptop would you buy now? in ~tech
AaronNight LinkI had a MacBook Pro 2017 (the last model with Intel) for 7 years. It was my main machine for everyday use and development. I felt that macOS was too restrictive, and as a power user, I wanted to...I had a MacBook Pro 2017 (the last model with Intel) for 7 years. It was my main machine for everyday use and development. I felt that macOS was too restrictive, and as a power user, I wanted to tune the environment to my needs.
About a year ago, I decided to buy a new laptop. My final options were the Framework Laptop and ThinkPad T15 (AMD). The userbase for Framework is much smaller than for ThinkPad, so it was more difficult to find insightful and deep reviews of Framework, especially comparisons to MacBook Pro. At the same time, the community of ThinkPad users seemed divided, and their discussions often devolved into arguments over matters of taste. I was also aware of sentiment regarding quality decline, and I heard it a lot from people who had been using their ThinkPads for decades. Anyway, I decided to take a risk and buy the T15 Gen 2 AMD.
My main concerns were the screen and touchpad, since I had never seen a laptop with the quality of these elements close to MacBook. Many online reviews also mentioned that the keyboard of the T15 Gen 2 is much worse than the previous model. Surprisingly, to my taste, everything turned out even better than my previous MacBook Pro 2017. The screen and touchpad are perfect, the keyboard is even more comfortable than the one from MacBook Pro, and performance and battery life with Fedora installed are great. One drawback though: the sound quality of the internal speakers is poor, which is true. But since I usually use good headphones, it doesn't bother me at all. I'm very happy that I made the switch and regret not doing it earlier because of my belief in MacBook superiority.
I can recommend finding a store with physical laptops on display and checking for yourself if the materials and build quality are suitable for you. Performance is not a problem for any modern premium laptop, as far as I know. The battery life might be slightly worse than MacBook Pro. The temperature under load could be noticeable, but you should expect this from any powerful laptop. Overall, I think if you're not happy with your MacBook Pro, make the switch. At least you'll be able to try alternatives and decide for yourself how good they are.
-
Comment on How do you decide when to buy a new computer, smartphone, etc.? in ~tech
AaronNight LinkManufacturers typically provide a one to two-year warranty, guaranteeing free repairs for any manufacturing defects during this period. Most devices last much longer though. I use a simple rule: I...Manufacturers typically provide a one to two-year warranty, guaranteeing free repairs for any manufacturing defects during this period. Most devices last much longer though. I use a simple rule: I plan to upgrade after double the warranty period. For phones, this means 4-5 years. While your device may still function after this time, newer software is optimized for newer hardware, and you'll likely notice performance decline. I keep my old phone as a backup and check it regularly.
Desktop PCs and laptops can last even longer. My previous PC served me for 10 years with occasional component upgrades, only becoming obsolete when hardware standards changed. My MacBook Pro lasted 7 years until it developed screen issues — repair shops couldn't fix it because they considered the model "vintage". With the ability to upgrade components, computers can remain useful for up to a decade.
-
Comment on Stremio is an impressive program in ~tech
AaronNight LinkI have a question off the topic, but still relevant. I see a lot of people here recommend using Real Debrid, but do you think it is still reliable considering their recent piracy policy change? If...I have a question off the topic, but still relevant. I see a lot of people here recommend using Real Debrid, but do you think it is still reliable considering their recent piracy policy change? If not, what do you choose as alternative?
-
Comment on A Tildes post inspired me to create a collaborative art project in ~arts
AaronNight Link ParentGood idea! Also, it might help to channel creativity if there will be certain topic for each week. For example, let's say that this weak is about food that is trying to escape the square, or about...Good idea! Also, it might help to channel creativity if there will be certain topic for each week. For example, let's say that this weak is about food that is trying to escape the square, or about forest walk. I think it might help people to engage more.
-
Comment on What hard scifi books could you recommend? in ~books
AaronNight Link ParentYes, it is a good story to start. I also could recommend Double Star and Stranger in a Strange Land. But be aware that it was written 65-70 years ago and may feel outdated.Yes, it is a good story to start. I also could recommend Double Star and Stranger in a Strange Land. But be aware that it was written 65-70 years ago and may feel outdated.
-
Comment on What hard scifi books could you recommend? in ~books
AaronNight Link ParentThank you! I've read all the books in the series, and I think that the most interesting idea to me, the "Dark Forest" paradox, was in the last book. I feel that the writing style of Three Body...Thank you! I've read all the books in the series, and I think that the most interesting idea to me, the "Dark Forest" paradox, was in the last book.
I feel that the writing style of Three Body Problem is more similar to the science fiction of classic American authors of the twentieth century. It has less focus on science and more emphasis on exploring human behavior in unusual settings. While the writing style might feel somewhat simplistic at times, the ideas presented are intriguing.
-
Comment on What hard scifi books could you recommend? in ~books
AaronNight Link ParentOh yes, I'm kinda fan too :) I've read The Island and Giants, and as far as I understand FFR is a prequel to the series? Somehow I missed this book.Oh yes, I'm kinda fan too :) I've read The Island and Giants, and as far as I understand FFR is a prequel to the series? Somehow I missed this book.
-
Comment on What hard scifi books could you recommend? in ~books
AaronNight Link ParentGood point. What I particularly appreciate in science fiction is when authors incorporate cutting-edge scientific theories as foundational elements of their storytelling. The most compelling hard...Good point. What I particularly appreciate in science fiction is when authors incorporate cutting-edge scientific theories as foundational elements of their storytelling. The most compelling hard sci-fi doesn't just use science as window dressing, but explores how technological advances fundamentally reshape human society and consciousness. So it is definitely not about space pirates.
Peter Watts's Blindsight (and notes at the end of the book specifically) exemplifies this approach brilliantly. His extensive research into evolutionary biology and neuroscience to develop the vampire subspecies demonstrates the level of scientific rigor I seek in hard sci-fi. While the technical details of the vampire biology may be complex, the way he weaves this scientific framework into the larger narrative about consciousness and intelligence is masterful.
The book you mention is quite intriguing, thank you. I'll try to find it.
-
Comment on What hard scifi books could you recommend? in ~books
AaronNight Link ParentThat's cool! Thank you! I've thought a lot about what defines hard science fiction as a genre. Beyond using futuristic settings to explore humanity, I believe there should be real scientific...That's cool! Thank you!
I've thought a lot about what defines hard science fiction as a genre. Beyond using futuristic settings to explore humanity, I believe there should be real scientific hypotheses underlying the fictional technologies that shape these settings. After all, that's what makes it science fiction.
Robert Heinlein was a master of such exploration. While his books may seem somewhat outdated today, I still enjoy the human aspect of his stories. One of my favorite books is The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. In this story, one of the main characters is a computer that became so complex that it gained sentience and developed a sense of humor. This computer felt empathy toward people who were surviving in the lunar colony and helped them become free from Earth's government. It's a very inspiring story.
-
Comment on What hard scifi books could you recommend? in ~books
AaronNight Link ParentThank you for your recommendations! I've heard great things about The Expanse and will definitely give it a try. I've already read Project Hail Mary and really enjoyed it, but found it somewhat...Thank you for your recommendations! I've heard great things about The Expanse and will definitely give it a try.
I've already read Project Hail Mary and really enjoyed it, but found it somewhat naive, so it didn't quite satisfy my craving for hard science fiction. But anyway, I'll look closely to what Andy Weir writes, since I like a lot of his novels.
-
What hard scifi books could you recommend?
Warning: this post may contain spoilers
Hello! Could you please recommend some hard science fiction books? I am struggling to find a good one. My favorites are Blindsight and Echopraxia by Peter Watts, but I have failed to find anything similar.
I also enjoyed The Martian by Andy Weir and The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, though in my opinion, these aren't quite what I would call hard science fiction.
Additionally, I enjoyed books that blend fiction and non-fiction, like Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality by Eliezer Yudkowsky and Gödel, Escher, Bach by Douglas Hofstadter.
What are your favorite hard science fiction books?
49 votes -
Comment on Two sides of the same coin in ~humanities
AaronNight LinkI think not knowing the state of a coin flip is a little different from Schrödinger's paradox. I'll try to explain it. The concept of a coin flip serves as an excellent analogy to illustrate the...I think not knowing the state of a coin flip is a little different from Schrödinger's paradox. I'll try to explain it.
The concept of a coin flip serves as an excellent analogy to illustrate the differences between classical and quantum mechanics. In the macroscopic world, a coin's state is determined upon flipping, regardless of observation. However, in the quantum realm, observation itself plays a crucial role in determining the state of a particle.
In classical physics, exemplified by a traditional coin toss, the outcome is determined as soon as the coin lands, even if no one observes it. The coin will always have a heads side and a tails side, and its state is fixed upon landing, irrespective of whether someone looks at it or not. Our lack of knowledge about the outcome does not affect the coin's actual state.
Quantum mechanics, however, introduces a fundamentally different perspective. In the quantum world, particles can exist in a superposition of states until they are observed or measured. A hypothetical "quantum coin" would not have a definite state until interaction occurs. This is not merely a lack of information but a fundamental property of quantum systems.
The famous Schrödinger's cat thought experiment illustrates this concept on a macroscopic scale. In this scenario, a cat is placed in a sealed box with a radioactive source and a poison that will be released when the source decays. According to quantum mechanics, until the box is opened, the cat is theoretically in a superposition of states - both alive and dead simultaneously.
However, this apparent paradox can be resolved through the principles of quantum decoherence and the Copenhagen interpretation. Decoherence explains how quantum superpositions break down when a quantum system interacts with its environment. In the case of Schrödinger's cat, the cat, being a macroscopic object, constantly interacts with its environment inside the box. These interactions cause rapid decoherence, collapsing the quantum superposition into a definite state (either alive or dead) long before the box is opened.
This resolution bridges the gap between quantum mechanics and our classical understanding of reality. It demonstrates that while quantum effects are prevalent at the microscopic level, they typically don't persist in large-scale systems due to constant environmental interactions. The act of observation doesn't determine the cat's fate; rather, it reveals the already-determined state resulting from decoherence.
Just found two links that you might be interested in: